USING LOCAL GEOLOGY AND DIGITAL GEOLOGIC MAPS FOR NGSS PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

NGSS performance expectations frequently ask students to examine evidence and use models; MS-ESS2-2 suggests an emphasis on local features where appropriate. These can be combined if students use geologic maps - which are models that present evidence of geologic conditions - to examine local geology & resulting geography, and look in detail at local rock types. Geologic maps also allow them to work on performance expectations such as MS-ESS2-3 and HS-ESS2-1, to determine local/regional geologic history, especially as it relates to plate tectonics. Though paper maps continue to have value, another way for students to study geologic maps is to examine digital geologic maps, using geospatial technologies such as Google Earth or GIS (web maps or desktop GIS). This session is about including local geology content information, and demonstrating it in class or for student exercises using geologic maps made available through geospatial technology. Since NGSS was only adopted this year, to date this material has been presented in professional development sessions for teachers, with no reports yet on classroom implementation.